Hauraki farmer takes helm of Dairy Environment Leaders

Dairy Environment Leaders is a DairyNZ-supported farmer initiative launched 14 years ago and now involves 400 dairy farmer members who work with dairy farmers, communities, and decision-makers to drive positive progress.

Carpenter replaces Waikato dairy farmer Melissa Slattery who has stepped down to focus on her farm and family.

“Melissa played a key role in driving environmental change across New Zealand over her three years in the role,” says DairyNZ general manager for sustainable dairy David Burger.

“We appreciate her strong leadership, advocacy, and hard work over the part three years and wish her well for the future.”

Burger says the levy body looks forward to working with Carpenter to continue the Dairy Environment Leaders’ work.

“Amber has a diverse background and brings excellent strategic and relationship-building skills to the role, and we look forward to her supporting the Dairy Environment Leaders network to continue its positive work around New Zealand,” says Burger.

Along with the national leadership role, Carpenter will also support the network’s regional committees, connecting and influencing other farmers, and fostering a sense of community.

“The Dairy Environment Leaders network helps dairy farmers and rural communities navigate the changes and challenges ahead,” says Carpenter. “Together, we can make a huge difference.”

Carpenter and her husband Fraser are sharemilkers on a Paparimu dairy and beef farm, milking 450 cows.

Now in their ninth season, the couple put a plan in place every season to lower their environmental footprint, such as reducing nitrogen and fertiliser inputs, as well as imported feed.

“As sharemilkers we work with what is in our control,” says Carpenter. “Understanding our numbers is key.”

“Working with farm owners who value environmental sustainability is important to us and we appreciate working with farm owners on Farm Environment Plans, particularly being involved in the conversations when it comes to planting and fencing off wetlands,” she says.

“All the small changes each day and each season help us make a bigger overall impact,” she adds.

The Dairy Environment Leaders chair role appeals to Carpenter as a way to drive change for a better future.

Formerly working in the fashion industry, she swapped heels for gumboots in 2018 after several years supporting Fraser on-farm on a part-time basis.

“After we had our first son, I realised I needed to decide whether to continue an urban life following my career, or live a rural life following Fraser’s,” she says.

Now, she can’t imagine doing anything else and wants to give back to the sector she’s grown to love.

“I see the Dairy Environment Leaders chair role as a great opportunity to put my skills and experience to great use and give back to an industry my family and I are grateful to be a part of,” Carpenter says.

“We all experience similar challenges and need to support each other in a fast-changing environment.”